EP3915866A1 - System for stabilizing a vessel against a stationary object - Google Patents
System for stabilizing a vessel against a stationary object Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3915866A1 EP3915866A1 EP20176699.5A EP20176699A EP3915866A1 EP 3915866 A1 EP3915866 A1 EP 3915866A1 EP 20176699 A EP20176699 A EP 20176699A EP 3915866 A1 EP3915866 A1 EP 3915866A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- engagement
- vessel
- bow
- fender
- stationary object
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B59/00—Hull protection specially adapted for vessels; Cleaning devices specially adapted for vessels
- B63B59/02—Fenders integral with waterborne vessels or specially adapted therefor, e.g. fenders forming part of the hull or incorporated in the hull; Rubbing-strakes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/30—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
- B63B2021/001—Mooring bars, yokes, or the like, e.g. comprising articulations on both ends
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/14—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B39/00—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude
- B63B39/005—Equipment to decrease ship's vibrations produced externally to the ship, e.g. wave-induced vibrations
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a vessel comprising a transverse bow with an elongated bow fender protruding with respect to the bow, which bow fender is designed to be pushed against a stationary object.
- the vessel further comprises at least two engagement arms with telescopic parts, said engagements arms are mounted in a position above the bow fender and facing each other, and each engagement arm is pivotable against each other for engagement with the stationary object from opposite directions.
- the vessel can for instance be a service vessel for the offshore wind industry and oil and gas market.
- Offshore wind turbines are normally gathered in wind farms placed on the continental shelf with reduced water dept. Higher wind speeds are available offshore compared to land, which supplies more energy.
- Offshore wind power refers to the construction of wind farms in bodies of water to generate electricity from wind. Offshore wind power utilizes traditional fixed-bottom wind turbine technologies, as well as deep-water areas utilizing floating wind turbines.
- the service crews are normally brought from ports or accommodation vessels with service vessels, and the service personnel embark and disembark between the service vessel and the turbines or platforms.
- Each wind turbine has normally two vertical support poles/fender bars to protect the turbine while the service vessel approaches the turbine and allows the service personnel to use the turbine ladder between the two support poles for embarking and disembarking. With the vessel's engines/propellers the vessel's transverse bow-fender is pushed against the support poles.
- the challenge is to keep the bow of the vessel steady when the service personnel embark and disembark in rougher sea conditions.
- a hydraulic clamping system that is mounted on the deck of the crew transfer vessel. Its main elements are two hydraulic arms, which can rotate around a vertical axis. At their front-end a hydraulic clamp is mounted which can be swung around the vertical fender bars of the wind turbine, and by activating two hydraulic rams they pull the vessel's fender against the fender bars with a preset force. The resulting friction stabilizes the position of the vessel.
- GB 2476858 A discloses an apparatus for stabilizing a floating craft against a stationary structure.
- the apparatus comprises means of attaching the apparatus to a floating craft, an elongate fender comprising a structure contacting face, and at least two jaws, each comprising a front face and a structure-contacting surface.
- At least one jaw is movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa, in order that said jaws may be positioned in a first open position where the structure contacting surfaces of the jaws are relatively far apart and a second closed position wherein the structure contacting surfaces of the jaws are relatively close together.
- the apparatus is positioned such that a suitably sized part of the stationary structure is placed between the jaws, the said jaws can then be brought into the closed position, thereby creating craft stabilizing contact between the structure contacting surfaces of the jaws and the structure.
- EP 2520485 A1 discloses a system for mooring a vessel against a stationary object, for example the mast of a wind turbine erected in water.
- the stationary object comprises at least one substantially vertical bumper bar, which is attached to the stationary object by means of an extension.
- the vessel comprises a hull, an engine for propelling the vessel, and a buffer body, which protrudes in relation to the hull.
- the bumper bar comprises a substantially vertical, inside guide track, which substantially faces the stationary object, and a substantially vertical, outside guide track, which substantially faces away from the stationary object.
- the vessel comprises at least one engagement arm, which at one end is provided with an engagement member.
- the engagement arm can be moved in relation to the hull between a mooring state, in which the engagement member engages on the inside guide track of the bumper bar and is vertically displaceable along this, and a release state, in which the engagement member is out of engagement with the inside guide track.
- the buffer body in the mooring state engages on the outside guide track of the bumper bar and is vertically displaceable along this.
- the inside guide track protrudes sideways in relation to an adjacent part of the extension of the bumper bar such that the engagement member of the engagement arm in the mooring state can be moved past the extension on vertical displacement along the inside guide track of the bumper bar.
- EP2316721 A1 disclose a floating vessel that is stabilized against a stationary object, for example a mast of an offshore wind turbine.
- the vessel comprises a hull, a motor for the propulsion of the vessel, a buffer body, which protrudes with respect to the hull, as well as at least one engagement arm.
- the engagement arm is at one end provided with an engagement member for engaging on the stationary object.
- the buffer body of the vessel is pushed against the stationary object by means of the motor.
- the buffer body is hereby substantially stabilized against the stationary object.
- the engagement body engages on the stationary object while the buffer body and the stationary object remain mutually stabilized by the pushing.
- the engagement arm is subjected to tensile load while the stationary object is engaged by the engagement member.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an improved, alternative and simplified solution, wherein the vessel's bow fender and engagement equipment is adjustable to improve docking and to stabilize the bow while the service crew embark and disembark in rough sea conditions.
- the bow fender of the invention will also improve adjustment of forces acting on the bow fender/bow of the vessel and the wind turbine foundation.
- the present invention also provides a solution that makes it easy to center the bow of the vessel to the correct position, which save time and increase the safety.
- a vessel comprising a transverse bow with an elongated bow fender protruding with respect to the bow, which bow fender is designed to be pushed against a stationary object, said vessel further comprises at least two engagement arms with telescopic parts, said engagements arms are mounted in a position above the bow fender and facing each other, and each engagement arm is pivotable against each other for engagement with the stationary object from opposite directions.
- Each engagement arm comprises a tiltable engagement pad with a contacting surface creating stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces of the engagement pads and at least a part of the stationary object, said engagement pads being tiltable about an axis running in same longitudinal direction as the engagement arms.
- each engagement arm can comprise a first telescopic part and a second housing part.
- the engagement pad is preferably tiltable supported in a hinged connection on an outer free end of the first telescopic part.
- the first telescopic part can be extractable and slidably accommodated in the second housing part, and said second housing part can be pivotably supported in a pivot connection.
- a first pressure cylinder can be connected between the first telescopic part and the second housing part, providing extraction and retraction of the first telescopic part with respect to the second housing part.
- a second pressure cylinder can be connected to the second housing part in an area distal to the pivot connection, providing said pivot movement of the second housing part.
- the second housing part may comprise one or more slide guides guiding the pivot movement.
- the hinged connection can comprise one or more rubber blocks preventing unwanted tilting movement of the engagement pad with respect to the first telescopic part.
- the bow fender preferably comprises an elongated fender made of rubber.
- the bow fender can on a front face comprise one or more impressions accommodating at least a part of the stationary object, such as the support poles, and wherein the stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces of the engagement pads when the engagement arms are activated prevent any substantial movement of said part of the stationary object with respect to the bow fender.
- the contacting surface of the tiltable engagement pad can be made of rubber.
- the present invention is related to a vessel 60 as shown in figure 1 , such as a crew transfer vessel discussed previously, equipped with a bow fender 10. At least an upper part of the bow 62 is on a front face flat and is equipped with an elongated bow fender 10 placed transverse on the bow 62.
- a wind turbine foundation 52 is shown in figure 2 having two vertical support poles/fender bars 50 to protect the wind turbine while the service vessel 60 approach the turbine and allows the service personnel to use a wind turbine ladder 54 between the two support poles for embarking and disembarking.
- the vessel's engines/propellers With the vessel's engines/propellers, the vessel's transverse bow fender 10 is pushed against the support poles 50.
- a vessel 60 with a bow fender 10 according to the invention can be used to adjust or reduce the impact on the support poles, or other foundation, when the vessel 60 approaches and docs at the wind turbine.
- the bow fender 10 can in its simplest form be a rubber fender mounted to a base plate.
- One example of the bow fender 10, as shown in the drawings, can comprise an elongated rubber fender 12. In the middle of the rubber fender 12 there is a thicker part 14 protruding on a central front side, which is pressed against the support poles 50 and possibly the ladder 54 of the wind turbine foundation 52.
- the bow fender 10 further comprises, either in the thicker part 14 or adjacent the thicker part 14, an impression 16 for each pole 50 of the wind turbine foundation 52.
- the rubber fender 12 can have several protruding steps with different thickness, which from left to center can be a first step with a first thickness, a second thicker step with the impression 16 and a third central and thickest step, in where the impression is located in the transition between the second and third step.
- the bow fender 10 is as mentioned mounted on the bow of a vessel 60, such as a crew transfer vessel, with the thicker part 14 facing forward.
- the elongated fender 12 is disclosed as made of rubber, but the elongated fender 12 can be made of plastic or other suitable material.
- the bow fender 10 is disclosed in relation to a wind turbine foundation but may of course be used with any similar offshore construction.
- Such a bow fender 10 can for instance be approximately 10m long, and with a thickness of 45cm and a height of 65-100cm.
- Support poles 50, or fender bars, on a typical wind turbine foundation 52 have a diameter of 33cm, and a center distance of for instance 1,8m.
- the thicker part 14 of the bow fender can be accommodated between the support poles 50 when the vessel 60 is pushing forward.
- the impressions 16 on the bow fender preferably have the same diameter as the support poles 50 of the wind turbine foundation 52.
- Figure 3 shows an engagement arm according to the invention, and which comprises at least two telescopic parts 22,24, wherein a first telescopic part 22 is movable from a retracted position to an extracted position slidably in a second housing part 24.
- the first telescopic part 22 is extracted and retraced by using a first pressure cylinder 32 connected between the first telescopic part 22 and the housing part 24, as indicated by the direction of the arrow A.
- the second housing part 24 is pivotably supported in a pivot connection 28, and the pivot movement is provided by a second pressure cylinder 34 connected to a distal end of the second housing part 24.
- the first telescopic part 22 and the second housing part 24 can thus swing or pivot in the direction indicated by the arrow B.
- the pressure cylinders 32,34 can be hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders, or for that matter electric driven actuators, which can be connected to a control panel on a deck 64 of the vessel 60 or from a bridge of the vessel 60.
- the second housing part 24 can be connected to one or more slide guides 36, for instance having a slot 38, straight or curved, in where a stationary pin 40 is moving. The second housing part 24 will thus be forced to move in the same directions as the slots 36.
- An engagement pad 26 is tiltable mounted to an outer end of the first telescopic part 22, wherein the engagement pad 26 is tiltable supported in a hinged connection 30.
- the engagement pad 26 is tiltable about an axis running longitudinally and parallel to at least the first telescopic part 22 of the engagement arm 20, i.e. running in the same direction as the arrow A. Tilting movement is indicated by the arrow C.
- the back of the engagement pad 26 can comprise one or more small rubber blocks 44 preventing the engagement pad 26 from “falling down” and tilt to much in a downward direction with respect to the first telescopic part 22.
- the small rubber blocks 44 can be screwed to a back plate of the hinged connection 30 and cover the hinged connection 30, and possibly abutting the outer end 22a of the first telescopic part 22 if the engagement pad 26 tilt too much.
- the pad of the engagement pad 26 is preferably made of rubber, and using small rubber blocks 44 on the backside may also counter balance the engagement pad 26.
- the tilting movement of the engagement pad 26 can be controlled by an actuator (not shown).
- the rubber pad of the engagement pad 26 can be screwed to the back plate of the hinged connection 30, which makes it easy to exchange the pads in they get worn-out.
- the engagement pad 26 can be tiltable in two directions, the first direction being about the first axis running in same longitudinal direction as the engagement arm 20 and the second direction being about a second axis running transverse to the first longitudinal axis.
- the telescopic parts 22,24, pressure cylinders 32,34, slide guides 36, etc. can be mounted on a foundation 42, which is mounted on the deck 64 of the vessel 60.
- the foundation is mounted higher than the bow fender 10 to allow at least the first telescopic part 22 to be able to pivot above and at least partly in front of the bow fender 10.
- the bow fender 10 will hit the support poles 50 of the wind turbine foundation 52. If the vessel is 150-175 dwt and the vessel is moving at 1-2 knots, the force will be quite large.
- the forces acting on one of the support poles on the wind turbine foundation 52 may vary from 440 kN for a vessel of 150 dwt and speed of 1 knots up to 2330 kN for a vessel of 175 dwt and speed of 2 knots.
- the combined impact forces on the support points may thus vary from approximately 40 kN to 260 kN.
- at least the support poles 50 of the wind turbine foundation 52 can be subjected to large forces.
- Figure 5 shows the bow fender 10 and two engagement arms 20 in parked and active positions, respective, in where the left engagement arm 20 is in parked and retracted position and the right engagement arm 20 is in active engagement position against a stationary object, such as the support poles 50 of the wind turbine foundation 52.
- the two engagement arms 20 can be activated simultaneously or separately.
- FIG 6 the left engagement arm 20 is being telescopically extracted and the engagement pad 26 is placed near the left pole 50, while the right engagement arm 20 is in active engagement position against the right pole 50.
- Figure 7 shows the bow fender 10 and the two engagement arms 20 in active positions, in where the engagement pad 26 of the left engagement arm and the engagement pad 26 of the right engagement arm 20 are in active engagement positions against the two support poles 50 of the wind turbine foundation.
- Figure 8 shows a front view of the bow fender 10 and the two engagement arms 20 in active positions.
- both engagement arms 20 When both engagement arms 20 are activated and pushed against the support poles 50 of the wind turbine foundation 52, as particularly seen in figure 7 and 8 , the support poles 50 will be accommodated and trapped in the impressions 16 on the bow fender 10, and the stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces of the engagement pads 26 prevent any substantial movement of the support poles 50 with respect to the bow fender 10 in any direction.
- the support poles will not be subjected to large tensile forces
- the tiltable engagement pads 26 on the engagement arms 20 provides that even pressure is maintained in the contacting surfaces against the support poles 50, which improves safety.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Wind Motors (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a vessel comprising a transverse bow with an elongated bow fender protruding with respect to the bow, which bow fender is designed to be pushed against a stationary object. The vessel further comprises at least two engagement arms with telescopic parts, said engagements arms are mounted in a position above the bow fender and facing each other, and each engagement arm is pivotable against each other for engagement with the stationary object from opposite directions.
- The vessel can for instance be a service vessel for the offshore wind industry and oil and gas market.
- Offshore wind turbines are normally gathered in wind farms placed on the continental shelf with reduced water dept. Higher wind speeds are available offshore compared to land, which supplies more energy.
- Oil and gas platforms, special in Far East, Mexico, Brazil etc. where service personnel need to embark and disembark the platforms from service vessels, the inventive bow fender with sideways forces, will improve the vessels stability, and safety and ability for the service personnel.
- Offshore wind power refers to the construction of wind farms in bodies of water to generate electricity from wind. Offshore wind power utilizes traditional fixed-bottom wind turbine technologies, as well as deep-water areas utilizing floating wind turbines.
- The service crews are normally brought from ports or accommodation vessels with service vessels, and the service personnel embark and disembark between the service vessel and the turbines or platforms.
- Each wind turbine has normally two vertical support poles/fender bars to protect the turbine while the service vessel approaches the turbine and allows the service personnel to use the turbine ladder between the two support poles for embarking and disembarking. With the vessel's engines/propellers the vessel's transverse bow-fender is pushed against the support poles.
- The challenge is to keep the bow of the vessel steady when the service personnel embark and disembark in rougher sea conditions.
- Different solutions have been used. For instance has stabilized walkways been tried, cranes with claws, etc. One solution is use of a hydraulic clamping system that is mounted on the deck of the crew transfer vessel. Its main elements are two hydraulic arms, which can rotate around a vertical axis. At their front-end a hydraulic clamp is mounted which can be swung around the vertical fender bars of the wind turbine, and by activating two hydraulic rams they pull the vessel's fender against the fender bars with a preset force. The resulting friction stabilizes the position of the vessel.
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GB 2476858 A -
EP 2520485 A1 discloses a system for mooring a vessel against a stationary object, for example the mast of a wind turbine erected in water. The stationary object comprises at least one substantially vertical bumper bar, which is attached to the stationary object by means of an extension. The vessel comprises a hull, an engine for propelling the vessel, and a buffer body, which protrudes in relation to the hull. The bumper bar comprises a substantially vertical, inside guide track, which substantially faces the stationary object, and a substantially vertical, outside guide track, which substantially faces away from the stationary object. The vessel comprises at least one engagement arm, which at one end is provided with an engagement member. The engagement arm can be moved in relation to the hull between a mooring state, in which the engagement member engages on the inside guide track of the bumper bar and is vertically displaceable along this, and a release state, in which the engagement member is out of engagement with the inside guide track. The buffer body in the mooring state engages on the outside guide track of the bumper bar and is vertically displaceable along this. The inside guide track protrudes sideways in relation to an adjacent part of the extension of the bumper bar such that the engagement member of the engagement arm in the mooring state can be moved past the extension on vertical displacement along the inside guide track of the bumper bar. -
EP2316721 A1 disclose a floating vessel that is stabilized against a stationary object, for example a mast of an offshore wind turbine. The vessel comprises a hull, a motor for the propulsion of the vessel, a buffer body, which protrudes with respect to the hull, as well as at least one engagement arm. The engagement arm is at one end provided with an engagement member for engaging on the stationary object. First, the buffer body of the vessel is pushed against the stationary object by means of the motor. The buffer body is hereby substantially stabilized against the stationary object. Next, the engagement body engages on the stationary object while the buffer body and the stationary object remain mutually stabilized by the pushing. After this, the engagement arm is subjected to tensile load while the stationary object is engaged by the engagement member. - An object of the present invention is to provide an improved, alternative and simplified solution, wherein the vessel's bow fender and engagement equipment is adjustable to improve docking and to stabilize the bow while the service crew embark and disembark in rough sea conditions.
- The bow fender of the invention will also improve adjustment of forces acting on the bow fender/bow of the vessel and the wind turbine foundation.
- The present invention also provides a solution that makes it easy to center the bow of the vessel to the correct position, which save time and increase the safety.
- Is an object to provide as solution that provides even pressure against a wind turbine foundation, when the vessel is rolling transverse to the wind turbine foundation, which improves safety.
- It is also an object to provide solution in where the pressure against the wind turbine foundation is adjustable, in both transverse and longitudinally direction.
- Some or all of said objects are achieved with a vessel comprising a transverse bow with an elongated bow fender protruding with respect to the bow, which bow fender is designed to be pushed against a stationary object, said vessel further comprises at least two engagement arms with telescopic parts, said engagements arms are mounted in a position above the bow fender and facing each other, and each engagement arm is pivotable against each other for engagement with the stationary object from opposite directions. Each engagement arm comprises a tiltable engagement pad with a contacting surface creating stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces of the engagement pads and at least a part of the stationary object, said engagement pads being tiltable about an axis running in same longitudinal direction as the engagement arms.
- The telescopic parts of each engagement arm can comprise a first telescopic part and a second housing part.
- The engagement pad is preferably tiltable supported in a hinged connection on an outer free end of the first telescopic part.
- The first telescopic part can be extractable and slidably accommodated in the second housing part, and said second housing part can be pivotably supported in a pivot connection.
- A first pressure cylinder can be connected between the first telescopic part and the second housing part, providing extraction and retraction of the first telescopic part with respect to the second housing part.
- A second pressure cylinder can be connected to the second housing part in an area distal to the pivot connection, providing said pivot movement of the second housing part.
- The second housing part may comprise one or more slide guides guiding the pivot movement.
- Further, the hinged connection can comprise one or more rubber blocks preventing unwanted tilting movement of the engagement pad with respect to the first telescopic part.
- The bow fender preferably comprises an elongated fender made of rubber.
- The bow fender can on a front face comprise one or more impressions accommodating at least a part of the stationary object, such as the support poles, and wherein the stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces of the engagement pads when the engagement arms are activated prevent any substantial movement of said part of the stationary object with respect to the bow fender.
- The contacting surface of the tiltable engagement pad can be made of rubber.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
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Figure 1 shows an example of a crew transfer vessel equipped with a bow fender. -
Figure 2 shows an example of a stationary object, such as an offshore wind turbine foundation. -
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an engagement arm with telescopic parts according to the invention. -
Figure 4a shows a plan view of the engagement arm in a parked and retracted position. -
Figure 4b shows a plan view of the engagement arm in an activated and extracted position. -
Figure 5 shows a plan view of a bow fender and two engagement arms in parked and active positions, respective, in where the left engagement arm is in parked and retracted position and the right engagement arm is in active engagement position against a stationary object. -
Figure 6 shows a plan view of the bow fender and two engagement arms in active positions, in where the left engagement arm is being telescopically extracted and the right engagement arm is in active engagement position against the stationary object. -
Figure 7 shows a plan view of the bow fender and two engagement arms in active positions, in where the left engagement arm and the right engagement arm are in active engagement positions against the stationary object. -
Figure 8 shows a front view of the bow fender and two engagement arms in active positions, in where in the left engagement arm and the right engagement arm are in active engagement positions against the stationary object. - The present invention is related to a
vessel 60 as shown infigure 1 , such as a crew transfer vessel discussed previously, equipped with abow fender 10. At least an upper part of thebow 62 is on a front face flat and is equipped with anelongated bow fender 10 placed transverse on thebow 62. - A
wind turbine foundation 52 is shown infigure 2 having two vertical support poles/fender bars 50 to protect the wind turbine while theservice vessel 60 approach the turbine and allows the service personnel to use awind turbine ladder 54 between the two support poles for embarking and disembarking. With the vessel's engines/propellers, the vessel'stransverse bow fender 10 is pushed against thesupport poles 50. Avessel 60 with abow fender 10 according to the invention can be used to adjust or reduce the impact on the support poles, or other foundation, when thevessel 60 approaches and docs at the wind turbine. - The
bow fender 10 can in its simplest form be a rubber fender mounted to a base plate. One example of thebow fender 10, as shown in the drawings, can comprise anelongated rubber fender 12. In the middle of therubber fender 12 there is athicker part 14 protruding on a central front side, which is pressed against thesupport poles 50 and possibly theladder 54 of thewind turbine foundation 52. Thebow fender 10 further comprises, either in thethicker part 14 or adjacent thethicker part 14, animpression 16 for eachpole 50 of thewind turbine foundation 52. As seen infigure 5 , particularly on the left side, therubber fender 12 can have several protruding steps with different thickness, which from left to center can be a first step with a first thickness, a second thicker step with theimpression 16 and a third central and thickest step, in where the impression is located in the transition between the second and third step. Thebow fender 10 is as mentioned mounted on the bow of avessel 60, such as a crew transfer vessel, with thethicker part 14 facing forward. - The
elongated fender 12 is disclosed as made of rubber, but theelongated fender 12 can be made of plastic or other suitable material. Thebow fender 10 is disclosed in relation to a wind turbine foundation but may of course be used with any similar offshore construction. - Such a
bow fender 10 can for instance be approximately 10m long, and with a thickness of 45cm and a height of 65-100cm.Support poles 50, or fender bars, on a typicalwind turbine foundation 52 have a diameter of 33cm, and a center distance of for instance 1,8m. Thethicker part 14 of the bow fender can be accommodated between thesupport poles 50 when thevessel 60 is pushing forward. Theimpressions 16 on the bow fender preferably have the same diameter as thesupport poles 50 of thewind turbine foundation 52. -
Figure 3 shows an engagement arm according to the invention, and which comprises at least twotelescopic parts telescopic part 22 is movable from a retracted position to an extracted position slidably in asecond housing part 24. The firsttelescopic part 22 is extracted and retraced by using afirst pressure cylinder 32 connected between the firsttelescopic part 22 and thehousing part 24, as indicated by the direction of the arrow A. Thesecond housing part 24 is pivotably supported in apivot connection 28, and the pivot movement is provided by asecond pressure cylinder 34 connected to a distal end of thesecond housing part 24. Hence, the firsttelescopic part 22 and thesecond housing part 24 can thus swing or pivot in the direction indicated by the arrow B. - The
pressure cylinders deck 64 of thevessel 60 or from a bridge of thevessel 60. - To guide the sideways pivot movement of the two
telescopic parts second housing part 24 can be connected to one or more slide guides 36, for instance having aslot 38, straight or curved, in where astationary pin 40 is moving. Thesecond housing part 24 will thus be forced to move in the same directions as theslots 36. - An
engagement pad 26 is tiltable mounted to an outer end of the firsttelescopic part 22, wherein theengagement pad 26 is tiltable supported in a hingedconnection 30. Theengagement pad 26 is tiltable about an axis running longitudinally and parallel to at least the firsttelescopic part 22 of theengagement arm 20, i.e. running in the same direction as the arrow A. Tilting movement is indicated by the arrow C. - The back of the
engagement pad 26 can comprise one or more small rubber blocks 44 preventing theengagement pad 26 from "falling down" and tilt to much in a downward direction with respect to the firsttelescopic part 22. The small rubber blocks 44 can be screwed to a back plate of the hingedconnection 30 and cover the hingedconnection 30, and possibly abutting theouter end 22a of the firsttelescopic part 22 if theengagement pad 26 tilt too much. The pad of theengagement pad 26 is preferably made of rubber, and using small rubber blocks 44 on the backside may also counter balance theengagement pad 26. Optionally, the tilting movement of theengagement pad 26 can be controlled by an actuator (not shown). - The rubber pad of the
engagement pad 26 can be screwed to the back plate of the hingedconnection 30, which makes it easy to exchange the pads in they get worn-out. - In an embodiment (not shown) the
engagement pad 26 can be tiltable in two directions, the first direction being about the first axis running in same longitudinal direction as theengagement arm 20 and the second direction being about a second axis running transverse to the first longitudinal axis. - The
telescopic parts pressure cylinders foundation 42, which is mounted on thedeck 64 of thevessel 60. The foundation is mounted higher than thebow fender 10 to allow at least the firsttelescopic part 22 to be able to pivot above and at least partly in front of thebow fender 10. - During initial docking of the
vessel 10 to thewind turbine foundation 52, thebow fender 10 will hit thesupport poles 50 of thewind turbine foundation 52. If the vessel is 150-175 dwt and the vessel is moving at 1-2 knots, the force will be quite large. As an example, the forces acting on one of the support poles on thewind turbine foundation 52 may vary from 440 kN for a vessel of 150 dwt and speed of 1 knots up to 2330 kN for a vessel of 175 dwt and speed of 2 knots. Dependent of the angle of the bow fender and the speed of the vessel, the combined impact forces on the support points may thus vary from approximately 40 kN to 260 kN. Hence, at least thesupport poles 50 of thewind turbine foundation 52 can be subjected to large forces. -
Figure 5 shows thebow fender 10 and twoengagement arms 20 in parked and active positions, respective, in where theleft engagement arm 20 is in parked and retracted position and theright engagement arm 20 is in active engagement position against a stationary object, such as thesupport poles 50 of thewind turbine foundation 52. The twoengagement arms 20 can be activated simultaneously or separately. - In
figure 6 theleft engagement arm 20 is being telescopically extracted and theengagement pad 26 is placed near theleft pole 50, while theright engagement arm 20 is in active engagement position against theright pole 50.Figure 7 shows thebow fender 10 and the twoengagement arms 20 in active positions, in where theengagement pad 26 of the left engagement arm and theengagement pad 26 of theright engagement arm 20 are in active engagement positions against the twosupport poles 50 of the wind turbine foundation.Figure 8 shows a front view of thebow fender 10 and the twoengagement arms 20 in active positions. - When both
engagement arms 20 are activated and pushed against thesupport poles 50 of thewind turbine foundation 52, as particularly seen infigure 7 and 8 , thesupport poles 50 will be accommodated and trapped in theimpressions 16 on thebow fender 10, and the stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces of theengagement pads 26 prevent any substantial movement of thesupport poles 50 with respect to thebow fender 10 in any direction. However, as the engagement arms are not locked at the backside of the support poles, the support poles will not be subjected to large tensile forces - When the vessel is rolling transverse to the
wind turbine foundation 52, thetiltable engagement pads 26 on theengagement arms 20 provides that even pressure is maintained in the contacting surfaces against thesupport poles 50, which improves safety. - It is possible with the
present engagement arms 20 to adjust the pressure against thesupport poles 50, in both transverse and longitudinally direction.
Claims (11)
- Vessel (60), comprising a transverse bow (62) with an elongated bow fender (10) protruding with respect to the bow (62), which bow fender (10) is designed to be pushed against a stationary object (50), said vessel 60) further comprises
at least two engagement arms (20) with telescopic parts (22,24), said engagements arms (20) are mounted in a position above the bow fender (10) and facing each other, and each engagement arm (20) is pivotable against each other for engagement with the stationary object (50) from opposite directions, characterized in that
each engagement arm (20) comprises a tiltable engagement pad (26) with a contacting surface (26a) creating stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces (26a) of the engagement pads (26) and at least a part of the stationary object (50), said engagement pads (26) being tiltable about an axis running in same longitudinal direction as the engagement arms (20). - Vessel (60) according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic parts (22,24) of each engagement arm (20) comprises a first telescopic part (22) and a second housing part (24).
- Vessel (60) according to claim 2, wherein the engagement pad (26) is tiltable supported in a hinged connection (30) on an outer free end (22a) of the first telescopic part (22).
- Vessel (60) according to claim 2, wherein the first telescopic part (22) is extractable and slidably accommodated in the second housing part (24), and said second housing part (24) is pivotably supported in a pivot connection (28).
- Vessel (60) according to claim 4, wherein a first pressure cylinder (32) is connected between the first telescopic part (22) and the second housing part (24), providing extraction and retraction of the first telescopic part (22) with respect to the second housing part (24).
- Vessel (60) according to claim 4, wherein a second pressure cylinder (34) is connected to the second housing part (24) in an area distal to the pivot connection (28), providing said pivot movement of the second housing part (24).
- Vessel (60) according to claim 6, wherein the second housing part (24) comprises one or more slide guides (36) guiding the pivot movement.
- Vessel (60) according to claim 3, wherein the hinged connection (30) comprises one or more rubber blocks (44) preventing unwanted tilting movement of the engagement pad (26) with respect to the first telescopic part (22).
- Vessel (60) according to claim 1, wherein the bow fender (10) comprises an elongated fender (12) made of rubber.
- Vessel (60) according to claim 1, wherein the bow fender (10) on a front face comprises one or more impressions (16) accommodating at least a part of the stationary object (50), and wherein the stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces of the engagement pads (26) when the engagement arms (20) are activated prevent any substantial movement of said part of the stationary object (50) with respect to the bow fender (10).
- Vessel (60) according to claim 1, wherein the contacting surface (26a) of the tiltable engagement pad (26) is made of rubber.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20176699.5A EP3915866B1 (en) | 2020-05-27 | 2020-05-27 | System for stabilizing a vessel against a stationary object |
US17/330,533 US11760447B2 (en) | 2020-05-27 | 2021-05-26 | System for stabilizing a vessel against a stationary object |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20176699.5A EP3915866B1 (en) | 2020-05-27 | 2020-05-27 | System for stabilizing a vessel against a stationary object |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3915866A1 true EP3915866A1 (en) | 2021-12-01 |
EP3915866B1 EP3915866B1 (en) | 2023-11-22 |
EP3915866C0 EP3915866C0 (en) | 2023-11-22 |
Family
ID=70861253
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP20176699.5A Active EP3915866B1 (en) | 2020-05-27 | 2020-05-27 | System for stabilizing a vessel against a stationary object |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US11760447B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3915866B1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2316721A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2011-05-04 | Presign Holding B.V. | Method for stabilizing a floating vessel against a stationary object |
GB2476858A (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2011-07-13 | Ronald Stephen Mattey | Apparatus for stabilising a floating craft against a stationary structure |
GB2485868A (en) * | 2010-11-26 | 2012-05-30 | Houlder Ltd | Motion compensated lift shaft transfer apparatus |
EP2520485A1 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2012-11-07 | Presign Holding B.V. | System and method for mooring a floating vessel against a stationary object |
EP2829468A2 (en) * | 2013-07-04 | 2015-01-28 | AKD Engineering Ltd | Marine Transfer System |
WO2018033623A1 (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2018-02-22 | Connect Lng As | A mooring frame for mooring a floating unit and a floating unit comprising such a mooring frame |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005097590A1 (en) * | 2004-04-08 | 2005-10-20 | Mooring Systems Limited | A mooring device for holding a floating vessel adjacent a mooring facility |
-
2020
- 2020-05-27 EP EP20176699.5A patent/EP3915866B1/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-05-26 US US17/330,533 patent/US11760447B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2316721A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2011-05-04 | Presign Holding B.V. | Method for stabilizing a floating vessel against a stationary object |
GB2476858A (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2011-07-13 | Ronald Stephen Mattey | Apparatus for stabilising a floating craft against a stationary structure |
GB2485868A (en) * | 2010-11-26 | 2012-05-30 | Houlder Ltd | Motion compensated lift shaft transfer apparatus |
EP2520485A1 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2012-11-07 | Presign Holding B.V. | System and method for mooring a floating vessel against a stationary object |
EP2829468A2 (en) * | 2013-07-04 | 2015-01-28 | AKD Engineering Ltd | Marine Transfer System |
WO2018033623A1 (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2018-02-22 | Connect Lng As | A mooring frame for mooring a floating unit and a floating unit comprising such a mooring frame |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3915866B1 (en) | 2023-11-22 |
US20210371061A1 (en) | 2021-12-02 |
US11760447B2 (en) | 2023-09-19 |
EP3915866C0 (en) | 2023-11-22 |
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